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Data & Research

Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Participation Characteristics Reaching Those in Need: Estimates of USDA's SNAP Program Participation Rates in 2019

​This report presents estimates of the percentage of eligible persons, by state, who participated in SNAP during an average month in FY 2019 and in the two previous fiscal years. SNAP eligibility criteria include maximum income and resource thresholds, as well as certain nonfinancial criteria, such as age and disability status.

02/14/2023
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Food/Nutrient Analysis Indicators of Diet Quality, Nutrition, and Health for Americans by Program Participation Status, 2011–2016: USDA NSLP Report

This study used 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data to examine the relationship between estimated program participation, diet quality, indicators of nutrition and health, food consumption patterns, and nutrient intakes. 

06/08/2022
Resource | Research | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of SNAP Households: FY 2019

The Characteristics report is published annually, dating back to 1976, and provides information about the demographic and economic circumstances of SNAP households. Using a sample of SNAP Quality Control data that is representative at both the state and national level, this report summarizes the characteristics of households and individuals who participated in SNAP in fiscal year 2019.  Because SNAP is available to most low-income households, participants represent a broad cross section of the Nation's poor. 

03/29/2021
Resource | Research | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of SNAP Households: FY 2016

This report is the latest in a series of annual reports providing information about the demographic and economic circumstances of households and individuals participating in SNAP at both the national and state level. Because SNAP is available to most low-income households, participants represent a broad cross section of the nation's poor. This report covers fiscal year 2016. 

11/28/2017
Resource | Research | General/Other Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training Characteristics Study

This study uses surveys of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) participants and E&T providers to describe the characteristics of SNAP participants who use E&T services and the characteristics of organizations that provide the services. This study uses surveys of SNAP E&T participants and E&T providers to describe the characteristics of SNAP participants who use E&T services and the characteristics of organizations that provide the services.

10/20/2017
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program Report to Congress: State Implementation Progress, SY 2014-15

This report responds to the requirement of PL 110-246 to assess the effectiveness of state and local efforts to directly certify children for free school meals. Direct certification is a process conducted by the states and by local educational agencies to certify eligible children for free meals without the need for household applications. 

12/02/2016
Resource | Research | Participation Characteristics Characteristics of SNAP Households: FY 2015

This report is the most recent in a series of annual reports providing information about the demographic and economic circumstances of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households. In fiscal year 2015, as in prior years, nearly two-thirds of SNAP participants were children (44 percent), elderly (11 percent) or disabled nonelderly adults (10 percent). The average monthly benefit received by SNAP households was $254.

11/14/2016
Resource | Research | General/Other Asset Limits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation, and Financial Stability

This study examines the impact of SNAP asset limits on low-income households’ financial stability, including their participation in traditional financial markets and their ability to weather financial shocks. It found that low-income households with relatively high asset holdings were older and had more education compared to other low-income households.

06/29/2016
Resource | Research | Assessing/Improving Operations Study of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides nutrition assistance to Tribal communities through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). The last nationally representative study of FDPIR was based on 1989 data. Since that time, there have been many changes in FDPIR affecting eligibility, warehouse operations and distribution, customer service, and improvements in the types and variety of products offered in the food package. This report provides an update of FDPIR participant characteristics and program operations, based on a nationally representative sample of participants and sites.

06/01/2016
Resource | Research, Analysis & Background | Food/Nutrient Analysis Nutrient and Food Group Analysis of USDA Foods in Five of its Food and Nutrition Programs - 2014

This study updates a 2009 analysis of the nutrient and food group content of the USDA Foods offered and delivered through federal nutrition assistance programs. The study also estimated the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores under the HEI-2010 and the HEI-2005 scoring systems for each program’s benefits.

02/29/2016
Page updated: January 12, 2024